1 worker dies, 2 missing while cleaning drain
The workers were washed away after sudden gush of water
New Delhi: One died and two other workers missing while cleaning drain in Khyala area of West Delhi on Friday. The Delhi Fire Services said that they were washed away after sudden gush of water.
The Delhi Police has registered a case in this regard and two bodies are yet to be recovered. Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Monika Bharadwaj said that they received a PCR call in Khyala police station at about 1.00 PM on Friday about drowning of workers in Keshopur drain.
The local police and fire brigade reached at the spot. The fire brigade was able to remove one worker identified as Shahrukh (25), a resident of Bulandshahr. He was rushed to hospital where he was declared brought dead.
"The other two workers Ankit (19) and Devinder Sharma (25) could not be removed despite efforts," said DCP West.
Police claimed that preliminary investigations suggest that Delhi Jal Board has awarded a Contract to one Paritibha Industries based in Nilothi for a project to erect cemented wall over the drain for the treatment of water which is sent to the Yamuna after treatment at this point.
"The deceased workers and rest nine workers were on misc jobs (drilling wiring)," police said. When asked about the reason behind the death, DCP Monika said drowning or asphyxia that is not clear yet.
After the postmortem report, things will be cleared. She further stated that the case is being registered against the contractor and whosoever is found responsible in further investigation. Chief Fire Officer (DFS) Atul Garg said, "They received a call around 12.30 PM regarding labourers being washed away in the drain. The fire station was a nearby spot so they reached quickly and started a rescue operation."
He further added that at the spot they learnt that the workers had gone inside the drain for work and suddenly water came and sweeps the labourer. One of the persons had held something in the drain. He was taken out but the two persons washed away. A total of 30 firefighters were sent to the spot and later two more teams were sent. According to the fire official, the worker was not wearing any safety gears.
